Supported gloves with in-grip features

ABSTRACT

Provided among other things are a fabric supported glove with a polymer coating with a palm dip, wherein (a) a grip inside surface of the glove having in-grip features at selective locations for promoting in-grip, or (b) a friction- or tack-providing polymer coating is provided on all or a portion of the grip inside surface to provide in-grip features, or (c) wherein the polymer coating is provided with a first lower viscosity polymer composition that provides limited strike-through in-grip features and a second higher viscosity polymer composition that provides an exterior gripping surface, or (d) non-parallel primary ridges in the fabric provide in-grip features, or (e) two or more of (a) through (d) applies, wherein the in-grip features comprise locations at the finger tips and on the palm of the hand configured to reduce inside slippage of the glove in gripping a representative cylinder.

This application claims the priority of U.S. Pat. Application No. 62/691,134, filed Jun. 28, 2018, the contents of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

The present application relates generally to supported gloves with in-grip features.

The focus of development for supported gloves has been economical ways to provide grip on the outer, polymer-coated surface, particularly at the finger tips. However, the lack of grip between the hand and the fabric side of a supported glove is a source of discomfort and reduced stability, and requires the user to use added grip force to maintain a steady grip. The discomfort and added grip force that can be attributed to interior grip (or the lack thereof) can contribute user fatigue, and in the long term to disease states such as repetitive motion disorder, and other musculoskeletal disorders. Thus, there is a need for added interior grip that extends through a number of industries, including but not limited to automotive, machinery & equipment, metal fabrication, construction, manufacturing, maintenance & service.

When coating a glove liner with polyurethane (PU) it can be difficult to control “strike-through.” This is where the polymer extends all the way through the fabric liner to contact user skin. This is regarded as a defect since the liner is provided for user comfort, and strike-through contributes to an uncomfortable feel. Lower quality PU-coated gloves may have, however, inadvertently and occasionally provided for better interior grip. What these gloves have not provided is a systematized pattern of in-grip features that (a) provide enhanced grip at strategic locations that more fully cover the areas needed for in-grip and/or (b) minimize discomfort arising from such in-grip features.

Thus, in certain embodiments, the gloves described here have in-grip features at strategic locations for promoting in-grip. In other embodiments, the in-grip features do not substantially promote discomfort, and can be more uniformly provided, particularly on the palm sides of the interior of the gloves. The invention can be described with reference to the Grip Inside Surface (GIS) defined more particularly below.

SUMMARY

Provided among other things are a fabric supported glove with a polymer coating with a palm dip, wherein (a) a grip inside surface of the glove having in-grip features at selective locations for promoting in-grip, or (b) a friction- or tack-providing polymer coating is provided on all or a portion of the grip inside surface to provide in-grip features, or (c) wherein the polymer coating is provided with a first lower viscosity polymer composition that provides limited strike-through and a second higher viscosity polymer composition that provides an exterior gripping surface, or (d) non-parallel (not up and down) primary ridges in the fabric provide in-grip features, or (e) two or more of (a) through (d) applies, wherein in embodiments for case (a) or (b) or (c) or (d) or (e), the in-grip features comprise locations at the finger tips and on the palm of the hand configured to reduce inside slippage of the glove in gripping a representative cylinder.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. However, the appended drawings illustrate are only illustrative embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 depicts hand model with illustrative points 5 on the palm side of the glove at which in-grip features can be deployed;

FIG. 2 is a hand model for the palm side showing areas that can have corresponding selective in-grip features;

FIG. 3 is a hand model for the palm side showing a regular pattern of in-grip features;

FIG. 4A is an image vertical ridges resulting, on one “face” side of a glove, from knitting with a jersey stitch;

FIG. 4B is the opposite, “back” face that has a rougher texture;

FIG. 5 shows a portion of the dorsal side of a HyFlex 11-510 glove;

FIG. 6 shows a device for measuring grip;

FIG. 7A shows an example of a parallel pattern of less dense stitching; and

FIG. 7B shows an example of a horizontal pattern of less dense stitching;

FIG. 8 shows an arthritis compression glove with a pattern of horizontal lines of silicon, useful in testing in-grip;

FIGS. 9A to 9E and 9G to 9I show the palm side inside surface of illustrative embodiments with applied grip features;

FIG. 9F shows a blown-up portion of FIG. 9E; and

FIG. 9J shows an illustration of how to measure the area of a portion of applied surface features.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate comparable elements that are common to the figures. The figures are not drawn to scale and may be simplified for clarity. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

“Grip Inside Surface” is that part of the inside surface of a glove, from the palm upwards, that can reasonably be brought into engagement with the hand in gripping a representative cylinder.

A “representative” cylinder is one with a diameter such that, if held in a tennis grip, one or more of fingers 1 through 4 just touch the thenar region of the palm (the region at the base of the thumb, including for this purpose a portion of the bottom of the thumb), or there is up to about the space needed to fit the other index finger between the longest such finger and the thenar region.

The liners used in the present invention can comprise a seamless or seamed knitted gloves, which can be formed with one or more yarns. A liner may be knitted by conventional knitting process and comprise various yarns, deniers, and gauges. Woven and non-woven fabrics can be used A glove comprises a main yarn and optionally a second ridge yarn knitted therewith. The yarn or other fabric material can comprise cotton, rayon, polyester, nylon, p-aramid, NOMEX®, m-aramid, SPECTRA®, DYNEEMA®, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, TSUNOOGA®, LYCRA®, elastane, SPANDEX®, LYCRA™, NOMEX®, TWARON®, KEVLAR®, DYNEEMA®, steel wire, natural rubber, fiberglass, carbon, shear thickening fluids, and the like or any blend of the fibers and materials. Liners in accordance with embodiments of the invention can be knitted using automatic seamless glove knitting machines.

FIG. 1 shows on a hand model illustrative points 5 on the palm side of the glove at which in-grip features can be deployed. One of skill will recognize that that the locations can vary, and that to preserve the comfort features of the glove the in-grip features can in embodiments cover a minority of the interior surface of the palm side of the liner. The amount of coverage can vary with the amount that the in-grip feature in question detracts from comfort, as will be discussed further below.

Possible locations for points for in-grip features can be further described with reference to the palm side (anterior) image of FIG. 2. Fingers 110 (small), 120 (ring), 130 (middle), 140 (index) and thumb (150) can have regions discussed with reference to the index finger: distal phalanx (142); distal interphalangeal fold (144); middle phalanx (146); proximal interphalangeal fold (147); proximal phalanx (148); and palmar digital crease (149). The corresponding numbering applies to the other fingers except with modest variation at the thumb. The thumb has: distal phalanx (152); distal interphalangeal fold (154); proximal phalanx (158); and palmar digital crease (159). In embodiments, there are 1 to 4 points for in-grip features in the area of one or more of these regions. In embodiments, there are 1 to 4 points for in-grip features in the area of two or more of these regions. In embodiments, there are 1 to 4 points for in-grip features in the area of three or more of these regions. At the pads of the ball of the hand 160 there are in embodiments, 1 to 4 in-grip features in the areas at the base of two or more of the fingers. In the area of the hypothenar region 170, in embodiments, there are 1 to 4 in-grip features. In the area of the thenar region 172, in embodiments, there are 1 to 4 in-grip features. In the area of palmar region (180) between the ball of hand, the hypothenar (the prominent region on the opposing side from the thenar region) and thenar regions, in embodiments, there are 1 to 8 in-grip features, or 1 to 8 in one or more of the above-listed areas. These embodiments can be combined in whole or in part.

All of the embodiments described herein can be applied with selective in-grip features. Selective in-grip features can comprise a regular pattern across much of the GIS, which results in a number of in-grip features landing in strategically useful locations, while in embodiments—to support user comfort—limiting the number of such features. The “x” elements in FIG. 3 illustrate a pattern of in-grip features. In embodiments, the in-grip features are more strategically provided primarily (for this purpose about 60% or about 70% or about 80% or more) in the areas of the regions identified with respect to FIG. 2. The “area” of such a region can comprise the area that can be expected, on the average hand for the glove size in question, to have padding providing greater frictional interaction with the in-grip features.

In embodiments, the selective locations for promoting in-grip comprise relatively thin linear segments. Typically these are oriented horizontally or vertically (parallel). Horizontal is with respect to a glove positioned on a vertically uplifted hand. Thus, in FIG. 2, horizontal would be substantially horizontal in that frame of reference (parallel to the printed element numbers). In embodiments, the linear segments are both horizontal and vertical, such as forming a grid.

Embodiments of the invention where the in-grip features do not substantially compromise comfort, they can be more generally distributed, particularly on the GIS.

Controlled Strike-Through

In dipping processes, strike-through is typically controlled by such features as the permeability of the knit (or weave) of the liner, the viscosity of the dipped polymer latex, suspension or solution, the head of pressure applied, and the speed of the effect of any coagulant that may be applied to the liner (to coagulate and reduce the inward flow of latex).

Thus, in embodiments, the in-grip features can be created by expanding openings in the knit (weave) at the points 5 of in-grip features. In that way, a dip that is calibrated to avoid substantial strike-though at most locations, is such that it will provide strike-through at the points 5 of in-grip features. The expanded openings can be created by conditioning the fabric (e.g., selective stretching) prior to dipping, or by controlled knitting programs, programmed to leave somewhat more open areas at the points 5 of in-grip features. The amount of greater openness can be calibrated to be a minimum sufficient provide significantly more interior grip. Thus, discomfort from the strike-through can be minimized.

Such relative openness can be made by Knitted Variable Stitch Dimension (KVSD). For example, the variable stitch dimension can be achieved by one or more of 1) varying the depth of penetration of the knitting needle into fabric being knitted by a computer program, 2) adjusting the tension of yarn between a pinch roll and knitting head by a mechanism controlled by a computer and 3) casting off or picking up additional stitches in a course, as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,434,422, which is commonly assigned and incorporated by reference in its entirety. A liner glove can also comprise a knitted layer having one, two or more yarns, such as formed seamless knit technology according to the co-pending, commonly assigned U.S. Patent Publ. Nos. 2010/0275341 and 2010/0275342, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The inner glove 100 may also comprise a knitted layer incorporating Automated Knitted Liner (AKL) technologies, developed by Ansell Limited. The inner glove 100 may also comprise a knitted layer having two or more yarns having variable plaiting, as is known to those in the art.

Variable plaiting can be used to provide extra density in areas. The corollary is that extra plaiting can be turned off in areas, so that these areas have less knitting density and allow strike-through.

Since KVSD technology (for increasing fit), and variable plaiting technology can be utilized in the invention, the following U.S. Patents are incorporated herein in their entireties: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,962,064; 7,246,509; 7,213,419; 7,434,422; 7,555,921; and 7,908,891.

Linear segments of less dense knitting (such as segments without overlaid plaiting) can be used to create the selective locations for promoting in-grip. Such linear segments are described for example in PCT/AU2018/000075 (Attny Dkt A421WO), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. With for example KVSD technology, the linear segments of less dense knitting can be for example vertical (parallel) or horizontal, or define a grip pattern. An example of a parallel pattern of less dense stitching 210 is found in FIG. 7A. An example of a horizontal pattern of less dense stitching 220 is found in FIG. 7B.

The dipping process is generally calibrated to provide sufficient penetration of the fabric to provide good adhesion of the polymer to fabric, while avoiding substantial strike-through. Given this careful balance, the strategic more open spots will provide for greater penetration of the polymer. The dipping parameters, and the amount of fabric openness, can be calibrated to provide for an amount of strike-through that provides greater in-grip, while avoiding excessive incursions. In embodiments, the feel of the incursions to the user when donning the glove is negligible, but nonetheless a modest grip will compress the fabric around the incursions and have the incursions engage the hand to assist in in-grip. Thus, because much of the discomfort of strike-through is the rough feel of glove during donning or other shifts of the glove on the hand, discomfort is minimized.

In embodiments, the dipping process is multistage. For example, in a first dip the polymer suspension can be of lower viscosity and hence provide greater penetration of the liner. A second dip can be of higher viscosity, and can be better suited for providing durability and/or grip on the exterior surface. The dipping process can provide strong annealing between the first and the second dip layers. The lower viscosity polymer suspension can be more selectively dipped to the palmar regions for which one seeks in-grip features. Thus, the hydrostatic pressure of the polymer suspension can be better limited to control excessive strike-through. The polymer of the lower viscosity polymer suspension can yield a softer solidified polymer, decreasing any discomfort provided by the in-grip features.

In embodiments, coagulant is applied to the exterior of the liner in a pattern. As such, faster coagulation of applied latex at the locations with coagulant leads to less strike-through at those locations, and more in locations away from the coagulant deposition. Application can be for example by screen printing, injection printing, application through a mask, or the like. To limit diffusion of the coagulant in the pre-dipping stage, thickener can be used with the coagulant, such as cellulose thickener or the like.

In embodiments, expanded openings in the lining are set forth in a regular pattern on the GIS, such that in-grip features will include those located at particularly strategic locations, such as on phalanxes of three or more fingers, or on the pads of the ball of the hand.

It should be noted that pursuant to controlled strike-through embodiments there may be strike-through outside or bleeding into the designed pattern. What is important is that there are features as described above that favor strike-through at the defined pattern points, and that the pattern is apparent outside the areas of such bleeding.

Multistage Dipping

The multistage dipping process described immediately above can be used with less selectivity for the locations of in-grip features. Typically, in such a less selective embodiment, the features are primarily on the palmar side, limiting discomfort. Discomfort can be further limited as described above.

Applied Grip Features

Polymer-based features that increase the coefficient of friction, or confer tack, can be applied to the interior of the liner. In embodiments, these are applied primarily to the palmar side of the interior. Such features can be applied by for example screen printing, injection printing, painting, aerosol spraying, other spraying, and the like.

With for example screen printing the pattern of print can be configured to decrease slippage inside the glove. Such a pattern can be configured to limit up and down slippage (from the tip of the index finger to the cuff), or can include features to limit side-to-side slippage. Since the in-grip features are typically of low profile, user comfort can be maintained. In embodiments, these in-grip features are configured to take up a relatively small part of the palmar real estate, still further providing comfort.

Similarly, such features can be patterned by other printing methods, painting, spraying through a mask, and the like. These in-grip features are also of low profile, and can be configured to take up a relatively small part of the palmar real estate, thus preserving comfort. In these types of embodiments (including screen printing), more real estate can be occupied with in-grip features without compromising comfort.

Where the in-grip features include features with increased tack, one illustrative material to provide such tack is “Tack Spray” used to keep riders in a horse saddle (e.g., Nunn Finer's Tack Up Grip Spray, Oxford Pa.).

In embodiments, instead of selective application, these applied features are applied to much or all of the palmar side of the glove interior, or to much or all of the GIS.

Applied grip features are typically thin, meaning substantially thinner than the polymer coatings typically applied to the outside, palm-side of a glove to provide exterior grip. For example, the applied grip features can be about 2 or about 1 micrometers or less in thickness.

In embodiments, the polymer applied to provide the in-grip features comprises any of the polymers described below for the exterior polymer layer, or a mixture thereof.

Generally, the applied features are annealed to the GIS prior to applying an exterior dip coat. This is because the liner fabric is easier to handle in inverted geometry when it lacks the exterior polymer coating. The inverted geometry, such as presented on a former, provides ready access of the surface to the device that prints or otherwise anneals the applied features. A flat hand-shaped former can be used to present the fabric in flat form for receiving the applied features.

For applied grip features in embodiments the coverage of the inner palm surface is less than a uniform pattern across the palm side area. Instead it is selective to the distal phalanx regions 112, 122, 132, 142 and 152, and to a region on the palm encompassing much of the pads of the ball of the hand 160 and the thenar region 172, and optionally the hypothenar region 170, or selective for engaging the pads of the ball of the hand 160 and the thenar region 172, and optionally the hypothenar region 170. Full coverage of the palm side area creates gloves that interior grip too strongly and is contraindicated for any of a variety of reasons.

Complete coverage of the GIS can cause problems in use or in manufacturing. Excessive coverage can discomfort by decreasing breathability, by chafing, and/or causing a less defined sense of discomfort by the user. These issues arise also when an exterior coating causes too much polymer strike-through. Users report that polymer penetrating through to the inside next to their skin feels uncomfortable/hot/sweaty/or the like. Excessive coverage increases the difficulty of dressing the former for dip coating the exterior of the glove, thus reducing processability. An excessively grippy glove interior grips the hand former and prevents the liner from smoothly sliding into place on the former.

In embodiments, at least about 50% of the length of the GIS portion of finger 110, and at least about 65% of the GIS portion of fingers 120, 130 and 140 is free of areas having applied grip features. In embodiments, the area of palmar region (180) between the ball of hand, the hypothenar and thenar regions is about 80% or more free of areas having applied grip features. One or more options such as these help further assure that the finger regions slide onto the former more freely.

Examples of such gloves are found in the inside applied grip features illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9J. In FIG. 9A, the illustrative grip features are about 1 mm in width, with the lines of applied grip features about 5 mm separated. In FIG. 9B, the illustrative grip features are about 2 mm in width, with the dots of applied grip features about 5 mm separated (along linear lines providing the closest separation). In FIG. 9C, the illustrative grip features are about 1 mm in width, with the tips of the chevrons of applied grip features about 1.7 mm separated. In FIG. 9D, the illustrative grip dot features are about 1 mm in width, with the dots of applied grip features about 5 mm separated (along the line extending upwards on the diagonal from left to right). The lines of applied grip features bounding the dots can be about 1 mm in thickness. In FIG. 9E, the illustrative grip line features are about 1.2 mm in width, with the opposite sides of the hexagons of applied grip features about 4 mm separated (see FIG. 9F). In embodiments, the cells are all complete hexagons, such that the boundary is stair-stepped or pointed to accommodate the edges of the hexagons.

In the illustrative embodiments of FIGS. 9G and 9I, coverage is of the distal phalanx regions, pads of the ball of the hand 160 and the thenar region 172. In embodiments, the dots of FIG. 9G are replaced by cell shapes, such as the hexagons of FIG. 9E (and its alternative embodiment described above). The illustrative embodiment of FIG. 9H has open circle cells, somewhat analogous to FIG. 9E. In embodiments, the open cells can be replaced with dots, so as to be analogous to FIG. 9D, but without boundary lines.

In embodiments, the areas having applied grip features comprises about 60% or less of GIS, or about 50% or less, or about 40% or less, or about 35% or less, or about 30% or less, or about 25% or less. This area can be calculated by drawing the tightest possible border about the applied grip features (without going inside the features that end or are dotted at the boundary) and measuring the area. For example, in FIG. 9J, the area of one of the chevron-containing areas of FIG. 9C is shown to the left side.

In embodiments, the area covered by applied grip features comprises about 15% or less of GIS, or about 12% or less, or about 10% or less, or about 9% or less, or about 8% or less.

In embodiments, the selected areas having applied grip features on the lower palm comprise two substantially vertical segments in the hypothenar and thenar regions, respectively, and optionally one or two substantially horizontal segments between the two vertical segments. Verticality is more vertical than horizontal, and selected to engage the flesh of the hypothenar and thenar regions. The horizontal segments can have a “V” shaped dip, which can help engage more of the flesh of the hypothenar and thenar regions, and the flesh in-between.

High Friction Knits

For knit liners, typically on the interior the primary ridges (the highest protruding knit elements) in the knit pattern runs parallel to the hand (up and down), to facilitate donning of the gloves. In embodiments, the knitting on the GIS includes in-grip features where ridges run perpendicular to the hand. In embodiments, the perpendicular ridges are mixed with parallel ridges to limit slippage in both directions. In embodiments, the fabric is any (knitted or otherwise) that provides primary ridges that are non-parallel.

For such fabrics, the area of such features is measured by the area where primary ridges run other than parallel to the hand.

On the common glove knitting machines, as are known in the art, the knitting can be a jersey stitch, where the “face” of the fabric has rows of loops that run vertically—described as “parallel to the hand” in this application—and that is generally the smooth side the fabric. See FIG. 4A for this “face” showing the parallel (vertical) rows of loops, the rows suggestive of ridges. This face side is often placed against the skin for ease of donning and comfort (smoothness). The glove comes out of the machine with “face” on the outside, so the gloves are flipped inside out to put the “face” on the inside next to skin. The “back” of the fabric of a jersey stitch does not present the vertical rows of loops and has a more rough texture. See FIG. 4B for the “back” showing a more rough texture without a defined texture parallel to the hand. As an adjunct to any of the other methods of providing inside grip, the rougher side of an stitching process (jersey stitch or otherwise) can be used as the inside surface.

Plaiting can be used to lay an additional yarn, typically for this purpose on the “back” side of the fabric. To provide in-grip against the hand moving up and down the glove, the rows of loops of the plaiting added for this purpose are not run vertically (parallel). Variable plaiting can be used to enhance primary ridges by turning the plaiting yarn on in the areas where such grip elements are located. Such plaiting is seen in the black stitching in FIG. 5, which shows a portion of the dorsal side of a HyFlex 11-510 glove (Ansell, Iselin, N.J.). The plaiting runs horizontally. The plaiting can have a small visual profile, yet still provide a tactile feel, and expected to provide an effect on in-grip. Double such plaiting can provide a greater ridge. The yarn selected for such plaiting can be selected to better provide grip. In embodiments, this means limiting the provision at the surface of yarn that is “slick”—avoiding the slick yarns such as HPPE and any yarn without substantial texture. A lack of texture in a yarn generally decreases the surface area and is very smooth making it more prone to slide across the hand rather than grip it. Elastic yarns such as Spandex™ are still more tacky, especially when used in a surface plaiting.

Whole garments machines can allow stitches other than jersey and the yarns can appear to run in a more vertical fashion, as opposed to traveling all the way around the circumference of the glove as they do in the typical glove knitting machines. Such machines can support a mix of parallel and perpendicular ridges designed to enhance in-grip.

Polymer Layer

The liners are coated, such as palm coated, with polymer. Often such coating can be effected with a stable suspension of polymer particles (i.e., a latex). Other polymer coating techniques, such as water or solvent-based resin coatings can be also be used. For example, a polyurethane (such as one having hydrophilic groups) can be applied as a suspension in N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), dimethylacetamide (DMAC), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), or the like. The polymer layers may be natural rubber latex (including Guayule latex), synthetic rubber latex, or the like, and combinations thereof, and can be elastomeric. The synthetic rubber latex may be selected, for example, from the group comprised of polychloroprene, acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer (NBR or “nitrile”) (such as carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer), polyisoprene, polyurethane, styrene-butadiene, butyl, and combinations thereof. Additional polymers can include without limitation poly(vinyl) chlorides, polyesters, polyamides, polyfluorocarbons, polyolefins, polybutadienes, polyurethanes, polystyrenes, poly(vinyl) alcohols, and copolymers of the foregoing, and elastomeric polymers such as elastic polyolefins, copolyether esters, polyamide polyether block copolymers, block copolymers having the general formula A-B-A′ or A-B like nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), carboxylated nitrile-butadiene rubber, styrene-poly(ethylene-propylene)-styrene, styrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-styrene, (polystyrene/poly(ethylene-butylene)/polystyrene, poly(styrene/ethylene-butylene/styrene), co-poly(styrene/ethylene-butylene), A-B-A-B tetrablock co-polymers and the like and blends of any of the polymers of this described herein for the polym coating.

Polyurethane and polyurethane blends (e.g., with acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer, or the like) are useful. Coatings with an underlying layer of one polymer, and an overlaying layer of another are useful. These embodiments can include wherein the outer layer is polyurethane or a blend of PU and the polymer of the underlying layer, with the blend promoting the annealing of the two layers. In embodiments, the underlying layer is predominantly (+50% polymer dry weight) acrylonitrile butadiene.

The invention is described as including a palm dip. A palm dip is a polymer coating that includes the palm and the palm side of the fingers. Typically it may (but need not) include a portion of the dorsal side of the tips of the fingers. The “dip” language does reflect the reality that in most cases the glove will be manufactured by a dipping process—but here the terminology covers the coating no matter how formed. “Comprising” a palm dip will include a more extensive coating, such as a ¾ dip or a cuff dip.

Torque Grip Test

Torque Grip Test—A technician dons a glove and grips an acrylic tube. The technician turns the tube, and the maximum torque before slippage is measured. The sample gloves are tested in the original dry state, then wet, and then with motor oil applied to both glove and acrylic rod. All the results are compared to the bare hand gripping force as the baseline.

Illustrated in FIG. 6 is a device for measuring how well a glove grips pursuant to the Torque Grip Test. Technician uses the glove (preferably a right hand glove). To control for circumferential squeezing of the tube 40, the technician is asked to stand a certain distance away from the equipment an use the same grip. The same technician is used across a given set of comparisons. The tube is moved so that the cable 20, whose location is fixed at a spaced apart location by fixed pulley 30, is tangential to the tube 40. Then force is applied at the force sensor 10 until slippage occurs.

To test the amount that an glove without in-grip technology might be improved with in-grip technology, a thin compression glove designed for arthritis suffers, which had horizontal lines of silicone across the fabric to improve grip was used as an inner glove in the above apparatus. Testing was of the Ansell HyFlex 11-800 and Ansell HyFlex 11-900 glove, and further used the bare hand as another control test item. The results were:

Glove or Glove Combination % of Bare Hand 11-800 107 11-900 109 11-800 + compression glove 114 11-900 + compression glove 115

Testing was in triplicate, with the coefficient of variation being less than 2%. Thus, gloves with in-grip features can be tested in this manner against there closest analog without in-grip features. The goal can be for example to achieve about 50% or more, or about 80% or more, or about 100% or more, of the improvement seen with using an arthritis compression glove with the pattern of silicon seen in FIG. 8.

It is important to note that this measurement is effective as a comparative method, whether or not it provides data suitable for comparisons with tests results conducted a different times, or with less comparable gloves.

Numbered Embodiments

The invention can be described further with reference to the following numbered embodiments:

Glove Embodiments

Embodiment 1. A fabric (e.g., knit fabric) supported glove with an exterior polymer coating comprising a palm dip, wherein (a) a grip inside surface of the glove having in-grip features at selective locations for promoting in-grip, or (b) a friction- or tack-providing polymer coating is provided on all or a portion of the grip inside surface to provide in-grip features, or (c) wherein the exterior polymer coating is provided with a first lower viscosity polymer composition that provides limited strike-through and a second higher viscosity polymer composition that provides an exterior gripping surface, or (d) non-parallel primary ridges in the fabric provide in-grip features, or (e) two or more of (a) through (d) applies.

Embodiment 2. The fabric supported glove of a Glove Embodiment, wherein in case (a) or (b) or (c) or (d) or (e), the in-grip features comprise locations at the finger tips and on the palm of the hand configured to reduce inside slippage of the glove in gripping a representative cylinder.

Embodiment 3. The fabric supported glove of a Glove Embodiment, wherein non-parallel primary ridges in the fabric provide in-grip features are pursuant to (d).

Embodiment 4. The fabric supported glove of a Glove Embodiment, wherein the friction- or tack-providing polymer coating is pursuant to (b).

Embodiment 5. The fabric supported glove of a Glove Embodiment, wherein the exterior polymer coating is provided with the first lower viscosity polymer composition and the second higher viscosity polymer pursuant to (c).

Embodiment 6. The fabric supported glove of a Glove Embodiment, wherein the exterior polymer coating provides strike-through to provide in-grip features pursuant to (a).

Embodiment 7. The fabric supported glove of a Glove Embodiment, wherein there are 1 to 4 in-grip features in the area of one or more of a distal phalanx region of one or more fingers, a middle phalanx region of one or more fingers, a proximal phalanx region of one or more fingers (148); and palmar digital crease (149).

Embodiment 8. The fabric supported glove of a Glove Embodiment, wherein there are 1 to 4 in-grip features in pad areas at a base of two or more of the fingers.

Embodiment 9. The fabric supported glove of a Glove Embodiment, wherein there are 1 to 4 in-grip features in an area of a thenar region.

Embodiment 10. The fabric supported glove of a Glove Embodiment, wherein there are 1 to 4 in-grip features in an area of a hypothenar region.

Embodiment 11. The fabric supported glove of a Glove Embodiment, wherein the fabric of the liner has a rough side and smoother side, and the rough side is selected for use as the hand-contacting side.

Embodiment 12. A knit fabric supported glove with an exterior polymer coating comprising a palm dip, wherein a friction- or tack-providing polymer coating is provided on a selected portion of the grip inside surface to provide in-grip features.

Embodiment 12A. The fabric supported glove of a glove Embodiment, wherein the selected portion comprises one or more of an area of a distal phalanx region of two or more fingers (or three or more of the fingers, or four or more of the fingers, or five of the fingers), an area comprising pad areas at a base of two or more of the fingers (or three or more of the fingers, or four or more of the fingers, or five of the fingers), or an area of a hypothenar region.

Embodiment 12B. The fabric supported glove of a glove Embodiment, wherein the selected portion comprises an area of one or more of a distal phalanx region of two or more fingers (or three or more of the fingers, or four or more of the fingers, or five of the fingers) or an area comprising pad areas at a base of two or more of the fingers (three or more of the fingers, four or more of the fingers, or five of the fingers).

Embodiment 12C. The fabric supported glove of a glove Embodiment, wherein the selected portion comprises an area of one or more of a distal phalanx region of two or more fingers (or three or more of the fingers, or four or more of the fingers, or five of the fingers) or an area of a hypothenar region.

Embodiment 12D. The fabric supported glove of a glove Embodiment, wherein the selected portion comprises an area of four or more of the fingers, or five of the fingers), an area comprising pad areas at a base of two or more of the fingers (three or more of the fingers, four or more of the fingers, or five of the fingers) or an area of a hypothenar region.

Embodiment 13. The fabric supported glove of a glove Embodiment, wherein there are in-grip features in an area of a thenar region.

Embodiment 14. The fabric supported glove of a glove Embodiment, wherein there are in-grip features in pad areas at a base of five or more of the fingers.

Embodiment 14A. The fabric supported glove of a glove Embodiment, wherein there are in-grip features in a distal phalanx region of five or more fingers.

Embodiment 15. The fabric supported glove of a Glove Embodiment, wherein the areas having in-grip features (the areas within the tightest boundaries described above) comprise about 60% or less of the grip inside surface.

Embodiment 16. The fabric supported glove of a Glove Embodiment, wherein the areas having in-grip features comprise about 50% or less of the grip inside surface.

Embodiment 17. The fabric supported glove of a Glove Embodiment, wherein the areas having in-grip features comprise about 40% or less of the grip inside surface.

Embodiment 18. The fabric supported glove of a Glove Embodiment, wherein the areas having in-grip features comprise about 35% or less of the grip inside surface.

Embodiment 19. The fabric supported glove of a Glove Embodiment, wherein the areas having in-grip features comprise about 30% or less of the grip inside surface.

Embodiment 20. The fabric supported glove of a Glove Embodiment, wherein the areas having in-grip features comprise about 25% or less of the grip inside surface.

Embodiment 21. The fabric supported glove of a Glove Embodiment, wherein the area occupied by the in grip features (the area with applied polymer) is about 15% or less of the grip inside surface.

Embodiment 22. The fabric supported glove of a Glove Embodiment, wherein the area occupied by the in grip features is about 12% or less of the grip inside surface.

Embodiment 23. The fabric supported glove of a Glove Embodiment, wherein the area occupied by the in grip features is about 10% or less of the grip inside surface.

Embodiment 24. The fabric supported glove of a Glove Embodiment, wherein the area occupied by the in grip features is about 9% or less of the grip inside surface.

Embodiment 25. The fabric supported glove of a Glove Embodiment, wherein the area occupied by the in grip features is about 8% or less of the grip inside surface.

Embodiment 26. The fabric supported glove of a Glove Embodiment, wherein at least about 50% of the length of the GIS portion of finger 110, and at least about 65% of the GIS portion of fingers 120, 130 and 140 is free of areas having applied grip features.

Embodiment 27. The fabric supported glove of a Glove Embodiment, wherein the area of palmar region (180) between the ball of hand, the hypothenar and thenar regions is about 80% or more free of areas having applied grip features.

Embodiment 28. The fabric supported glove of a glove Embodiment, wherein the selected portion having applied grip features on a lower palm area comprises two substantially vertical segments in the hypothenar and thenar regions, respectively, and optionally one or two substantially horizontal segments between the two vertical segments.

Embodiment 29. The fabric supported glove of a glove Embodiment, wherein the friction- or tack-providing polymer coating comprises a contiguously linked polymer with a pattern of non-coated cells therein, as for example in FIGS. 9E and 9H.

Embodiment 30. The fabric supported glove of a glove Embodiment, wherein the friction- or tack-providing polymer coating comprises patterns of dots.

Embodiment 31. The fabric supported glove of a glove Embodiment, wherein the friction- or tack-providing polymer coating comprises patterns of dots substantially bounded by a solid line of polymer.

Embodiment 32. The fabric supported glove of a glove Embodiment, wherein the friction- or tack-providing polymer coating comprises patterns of chevrons.

Embodiment 33. The fabric supported glove of a glove Embodiment, wherein the friction- or tack-providing polymer coating comprises patterns of wavelets (as exemplified in FIG. 9I).

Embodiment 34. The fabric supported glove of a glove Embodiment, wherein the in-grip features comprise locations at the finger tips and on the palm of the hand configured to reduce inside slippage of the glove in gripping a representative cylinder.

Method of Testing

Embodiment 35. A method of testing in-grip improvements comprising: A. measuring the force needed to induce slippage with a first glove; B. measuring that force while wearing as a base glove a compression glove having a grip-providing coating and wearing the first glove thereover; C. measuring that force while wearing a second glove that is comparable to the first glove in exterior grip features but differs in having one or more additional in-grip features; and D. comparing the improvement in the C measurement over the A measurement to the improvement of the B measurement over the A measurement.

Fabrication Embodiments

Fabrication Embodiments: Those of skill will recognize methods of fabricating any of the Glove Embodiments (including the implied combinations).

Other

All ranges recited herein include ranges therebetween, and can be inclusive or exclusive of the endpoints. Optional included ranges are from integer values therebetween (or inclusive of one original endpoint), at the order of magnitude recited or the next smaller order of magnitude. For example, if the lower range value is 0.2, optional included endpoints can be 0.3, 0.4, . . . 1.1, 1.2, and the like, as well as 1, 2, 3 and the like; if the higher range is 8, optional included endpoints can be 7, 6, and the like, as well as 7.9, 7.8, and the like. One-sided boundaries, such as 3 or more, similarly include consistent boundaries (or ranges) starting at integer values at the recited order of magnitude or one lower. For example, 3 or more includes 4 or more, or 3.1 or more. If there are two ranges mentioned, such as about 1 to 10 and about 2 to 5, those of skill will recognize that the implied ranges of 1 to 5 and 2 to 10 are within the invention.

A laminate is a bonding, fusing, adhesion, or the like between polymer layers, or between polymer and fabric layers, such that in the range of anticipated use the laminate is a unitary structure.

Where a sentence states that its subject is found in embodiments, or in certain embodiments, or in the like, it is applicable to any embodiment in which the subject matter can be logically applied.

This invention described herein is of a supported gloves with in-grip features and methods of forming the same. Although some embodiments have been discussed above, other implementations and applications are also within the scope of the following claims. Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. More specifically, those of skill will recognize that any embodiment described herein that those of skill would recognize could advantageously have a sub-feature of another embodiment, is described as having that subfeature.

Publications and references, including but not limited to patents and patent applications, cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety in the entire portion cited as if each individual publication or reference were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference herein as being fully set forth. Any patent application to which this application claims priority is also incorporated by reference herein in the manner described above for publications and references. 

1. A knit fabric supported glove with fingers and an exterior polymer coating comprising a palm dip, wherein a friction- or tack-providing polymer coating is provided on selected portion(s) of a grip inside surface to provide in-grip features.
 2. The fabric supported glove of claim 1, wherein the selected portion comprises one or more of an area of a distal phalanx region of two or more fingers, an area comprising pad areas at a base of two or more of the fingers, or an area of a hypothenar region.
 3. The fabric supported glove of claim 2, wherein there are in-grip features in an area of a thenar region.
 4. The fabric supported glove of claim 1, wherein there are in-grip features in pad areas at a base of five or more of the fingers.
 5. The fabric supported glove of claim 4, wherein there are in-grip features in an area of a thenar region.
 6. The fabric supported glove of claim 1, wherein there are in-grip features in a distal phalanx region of five or more fingers.
 7. The fabric supported glove of claim 1, wherein the portion(s) having in-grip features comprise an area of about 60% or less of the grip inside surface, optionally wherein the in grip features occupy an area of about 15% or less of the grip inside surface.
 8. The fabric supported glove of claim 1, wherein the portion(s) having in-grip features comprise an area of about 30% or less of the grip inside surface.
 9. The fabric supported glove of claim 8, wherein the in grip features occupy an area of about 10% or less of the grip inside surface.
 10. The fabric supported glove of claim 1, wherein at least about 50% of a length of a finger 110 portion of the grip inside surface, and at least about 65% of portions of grip inside surface provided by fingers 120, 130 and 140 is free of areas having applied grip features.
 11. The fabric supported glove of claim 1, wherein an area of palmar region (180) between regions that are region of pads of a ball of hand, hypothenar region and thenar region is about 80% or more free of areas having applied grip features.
 12. The fabric supported glove of claim 1, wherein the in-grip features comprise locations at finger tips and on a palm configured to reduce inside slippage of the glove in gripping a representative cylinder.
 13. The fabric supported glove of claim 1, wherein the selected portion(s) having applied grip features on a lower palm area comprises two substantially vertical segments in hypothenar and thenar regions, respectively.
 14. The fabric supported glove of claim 13, wherein the selected portion(s) having applied grip features on the lower palm area further comprises one or two substantially horizontal segments between the two vertical segments.
 15. A method of testing in-grip improvements comprising: A. measuring a force needed to induce slippage with a first glove; B. measuring that force while wearing as a base glove a compression glove having a grip-providing coating and wearing the first glove thereover; C. measuring that force while wearing a second glove that is comparable to the first glove in exterior grip features but differs in having one or more additional in-grip features; and D. comparing an improvement in the C measurement over the A measurement to the improvement of the B measurement over the A measurement. 